See all properties
Entire home

Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area

Photo gallery for Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area

Food and drink
South facing terrace, perfect for al fresco dining.
The wood fired oven can be used for cooking more than just pizza.
Miscellaneous
Souters is approached down a well maintained private road.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 290 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View map
Colchester, Essex, ENG
  • Place, Dedham Vale
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, University of Essex
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Place, Colchester Zoo
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Airport, London (STN-Stansted)
    ‪51 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area

Souters Holiday Cottage is a quiet and relaxing private place to stay. It is well placed to give access to many interesting areas, sites and actitivites. See our website for more detail:
Souters is a small converted barn and suitable for couples. It has a large sitting room with a high vaulted ceiling, a well equipped open plan kitchen, separate double bedroom and a shower room with power shower. It is all on one level inside but has sloping paths and steps outside. Souters has underfloor heating throughout and also a stylish modern woodburner which makes for very cosy evenings in the colder months. Outside there are two terraces to be enjoyed during the summer and a large grassed area for play or relaxation. Fresh herbs can be found in the garden borders which guests are welcome to use.

There are a wealth of public footpaths in the area which make for good and varied walking. Up to 2 well behaved dogs are welcome. Please note that the garden and woods immediately around Souters are unfenced but there is a securely fenced adjacent field where guests are welcome to run their dogs. We ask that dogs are not allowed on furniture but if this is impossible to police and your dogs are used to doing so at home please bring adequate rugs/covers as well as their beds. Please make clear at time of booking how many dogs you will be bringing with you.

Souters Holiday Cottage is found in the grounds of Valley Farm Cottage, home to the owners. It is just off the track leading to their smallholding and fields, which stretch as far as the river Brett, a tributary of the River Stour. It is a great spot for bird watching and present through various times of the year are nightingales, kingfishers, hobbies, woodpeckers, owls, buzzards, sparrow hawks and numbers of other woodland, river and garden birds. There is wildlife in abundance too including deer, foxes, badgers, slow worms and grass snakes, stoats and a great number of rabbits.
Guests are welcome to walk through the coppiced woods to the river and enjoy the peace. A new project of restoring wildlife habitat on the property has been underway for the past two years and already the benefits can be seen in the increase of wildlife, flora and fauna. We hope to develop this further.

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Beach
West Mersea Cottage, Beach/seaside location. Some April/May weekend dates
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (27 reviews)
West Mersea Cottage, Beach/seaside location. Some April/May weekend dates

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Adults only
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
£15 per pet per night fee applies
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking inside properties.

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Dogs not allowed on furniture please and must not be left alone at any time in property. Garden is unfenced but secure adjacent field available
Responsible smoking permitted in garden only.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Colchester

Located in Colchester, this holiday home is in a rural area. Dedham Vale and Bridge Cottage are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Suffolk Distillery and Tenpin Bowling Colchester. Brantham Leisure Centre and Green Island Gardens Ardleigh are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Holiday homes in ColchesterOpens in a new window
Map
Colchester, Essex, ENG

What's nearby

  • Dedham Vale - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Flatford Mill - 10 min drive - 8.6 km
  • University of Essex - 16 min drive - 17.3 km
  • Colchester Castle Park - 16 min drive - 13.9 km
  • Colchester Zoo - 17 min drive - 23.0 km

Getting around

  • Manningtree Station - 12 min drive
  • London (STN-Stansted) - 60 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Anchor Inn - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Capel Village Bar - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Hare & Hounds - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Jubilee Restaurant - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Mill Street Cafe - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area?

As of 30 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area on 16 May 2026 start from AU$214, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Set in quiet woodland Souters is an ideal base from which to explore area located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Dedham Vale and within 6 miles (10 km) of Bridge Cottage and Sir Alfred Munnings Art Museum. Suffolk Distillery and RSPB Flatford Wildlife Garden are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 66 out of 69 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 69 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 69 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 69 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 69 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alistair M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely

Lovely place in a lovely location, owners are lovely, highly recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter v.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay in a lovely house

Souters is a lovely house, very quiet (remote), very well equipped, everything was there, underfloor heating was great and a nice fireplace to make it homely...we will come again!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Justin R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely quiet cottage

Was a lovely cottage in a really peaceful and quiet location. Enjoyed walking in the woodland walk and down to Higham. Thanks for lovely stay :)
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Soul Cleansing

Lovely, quiet and tranquil stay. Highly recommended!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful and peaceful retreat

This was our first time in the area and the cottage was the perfect base to explore from. Perfect for walks with our dog and visiting the beautiful villages around Dedham Vale. Cath was a wonderful host and we are looking forward to a return trip!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ann D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Happy holiday

A well equipped comfortable cottage.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect relaxing getaway

We loved our weekend stay - a tranquil location perfect to unwind. A lovely lemon drizzle cake on arrival was an unexpected surprise! Lots of wildlife and lovely walks with our dog. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

3night New Year’s Eve stay

Beautiful cottage with everything you could want. Cath was super helpful yet not intrusive. We enjoyed exploring Constable country and the local beaches with our dog. Made good use of the cozy cottage while the storm raged outside. Loved our stay at Souters.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mr.P. The cottage was everything we were expecting.

Good size cottage for us and the 2 dogs. Plenty of walks for us and the dogs. We go back at some point.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pauline W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing peaceful stay

Booked this property a year in advance as it sounded so good. In fact it exceeded expectations and we had a delightful stay. Very rural but still convenient for road network. All the comforts of home and more. Lovely hosts and first class communications, thank you both very much.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceptional- brilliant hosts even better cottage

The cottage was everything we wanted. Brilliant for the dogs. The secure field was excellent and our dogs loved it. Although the cottage garden said not a secure location for the dogs technically it isn’t but ours were perfectly safe off lead. Couldn’t fault it. Also just eats do deliveries there.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

An idyllic hideaway

We absolutely loved Souters and everything about it exceeded our high expectations! Cath was a delightful host who made us feel so welcome and the cottage is a quiet, beautifully appointed hideaway which felt like a home from home. The area is outstanding with the walk down to the river through the woods a particular favourite. We really can’t wait to return and recharge our batteries when the opportunity arises. Thank you for a splendid holiday!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Claudia J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Weekend at the Cottage

We had a lovely stay here, Cath was a great host and communication was quick and very helpful. In a lovely area of the Suffolk countryside, with lots of birds to listen to from the patio. We did a fabulous walk from the front door and there are plenty of pubs to choose from only a short drive away. We thought the cottage was even nicer than the pictures show, and loved using the pizza oven one evening. Thank you Cath!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Panos A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolute peace and tranquility!

We had a wonderful time staying at Souter's. Super charming and very private, perfect to forget about the world and one's worries. We enjoyed the tranquility and privacy of the place and we were blessed with amazing weather. We had two barbeque days and all was well provided by Cath and Nick. Dear Cath, thank you so much for your great communication and the super tasty cake. Hopefully we can return soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debbie F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Peaceful Retreat

Beautiful cottage set in a wonderful and peaceful location. Caths' directions were spot on and we found it easily. The cottage was so lovely clean and homely, we were met by Cath and shown around, our dog loved the woods walk and don to the river, stunning location and we also had gorgeous weather! There are somer lovely pubs locally too which are dog friendly which Cath told ud about. There was even a yummy banana and chocolate chip cake on our arrival at the cottage. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Judith C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect place for a peaceful break

We rented Souters so that we could spend New Year with family nearby. Our big regret was that we got to spend so little time in the cottage and exploring the local area so we’ll be back. It is a lovely converted barn set in peaceful woodland. It’s off the beaten track but only two miles from the A12 and from the beautiful village of Dedham, which has shops and restaurants. It has all the character you would expect of a barn conversion with all the comforts needed for a relaxing holiday including underfloor heating, comfy bed, well-equipped kitchen and wi-fi. The owners are very welcoming and provided flowers, milk and a delicious homemade cake on arrival. They really have thought of everything and we look forward to going again for longer next time.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lucy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning quiet cottage

Absolutely loved our time here. We went for a short break to get some well needed respite. The cottage is beautiful and homely. Everything is done to a high standard but has so much history and charm. The upstairs nook was perfect to chill with a book and a blanket - looking at the night sky. Souters cottage is large with all modern amenities. Cath and Nick have put so much thought into their guests enjoying their stay and it really shows. There are the basics of everything that you will need already provided, leaflets & brochures & contact details for loads of local things to try or explore. On arrival the cottage was warm and there was a scrumptious fresh baked cake on the table and fresh flowers. Fantastic hosts. The local area is beautiful and tranquil, the cottage is surrounded by small farms, fields of horses and walking trails. The scenery is very beautiful, very private and quiet. I would definitely recommend! I look forward to coming back in the spring/summer months to make use of the pizza oven and private garden.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

erin g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful retreat

My husband and I loved this cabin so much and plan to return! It’s fully stocked and perfect for a couple of days of peace and quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely location

A lovely spot in a beautiful area of Suffolk
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matthew G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Simply beautiful

Cath is lovely and friendly the cottage is gorgeous and has everything you need. We loved it and will be coming back again
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

jacqui h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful place

Exactly as we were hoping for, complete peace and quiet. Excellent undisturbed quiet walks.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Christmas break

Souters is an idyllic retreat, lovely building, super cozy. The surrounding area is lovely and given better weather would have been great for walking. Even so I managed to spot an otter in the nearby river Stour. One slight criticism, due to the remote situation I feel a full size fridge/freezer is essential, especially in the warmer months.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ian W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay!

Enjoyed a wonderfully relaxing weekend. Charming little barn out in the country. We had great fun making use of the pizza oven outside! Would highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Souters Cottage Higham.

A lovely property in a beautiful secluded peaceful location. We will definitely book again.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magical

Souter, maker of shoes, how long ago? Did he sit in woods like these and see what we see today? An amphitheatre, an oasis, surrounds the cottage. Tall Pines and vibrant Sycamore form a protecting wall against the weather. In the clearing life flourishes. Listen, there is the Thrush and Robin, familiar garden friends. There on the Elder sits another speckled visitor, the Flycatcher, darting out and back with a beak brimming with flying insects. A rustling in the eaves alerts us to a nest. The noisy chicks so insistent, the parents so diligent. It’s a great tit’s nest. Look carefully, is it a young birds head looking out into a new world? Without a moments hesitation it leaves the nest, pushing off into the unknown, leaving the less ambitious siblings behind. One by one over the next few hours they all emerge to their new life. The last and somewhat reluctant chick, flutters uncertainly and collides with a the freshly trimmed hawthorn hedge. It drops the the ground, shakes its head and undaunted launches into the air with the optimistic determination of youth to join its companions. What is that commotion? A Jay has entered the arena. A predator, a danger. The alert sounds. Blue titis and their allies mass to attack and harass the gaudily dressed intruder. It tries to evade the belligerent and incensed parents but they are insistent and will not be denied. The Jay retreats for the time being but he will be back. The cuckoo mocks his retreat in a strident call, the harbinger of Summer. A rustle, a glimpse of a tan fur, a shy deer melts into the undergrowth. Night begins to fall and with it the birds join in a joyful chorus, led by the thrush and crowned by the prima donna, the Nightingale, notes tumbling on top of each other, rising and falling in a mellifluous melody. As darkness deepens Brock appears, shuffling and huffing on his nightly perambulation. He stops, sniffs, a tempting scent. He samples the gift, peanuts. Little does he realise his image has been captured by an infrared camera and will live on in the watcher’s memory. Maybe the Souter would have seen more but for us its was more than enough. A magical week, a real tonic, many thanks to you Nick and Cath. Chris and Sandra Robinson
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021

About the host

Hosted by Catherine Marno

Host profile image
Souters is found in the grounds of Valley Farm Cottage, home to Nick's family for nearly 100 years. The restoration of Souters was completed in 2012 with most of the work being done by Nick. Both he and Cath enjoy continuing to develop features at the property. Nick works as a self employed heating engineer and is a keen conservationist and prioritises habitat restoration in the woods and fields around Valley Farm Cottage. Cath works for a local organic grower, enjoys growing fruit and vegetables for the home and is known for her baking and preserving. She has planted a herb bed at Souters for guests to use. Cath also enjoys walking the wealth of country footpaths with her dogs.

Why they chose this property

Souters is an oasis of calm and peace; despite being only a couple of miles from the A12 and with very easy access to a host of interesting places. You can choose to visit any number of sites and areas nearby or you can equally choose to stay put and enjoy watching the birds and other wildlife or just put your feet up with a book by the fire.
A great place for a romantic break. Up to 2 well behaved dogs are welcome and catered for. There is a safe, enclosed field adjacent to Souters in which to exercise dogs and a network of footpaths around, providing a variety of walks.
Please DO NOT travel to Souters if you are unwell/suffering from Covid-19 or any covid or flu-like symptons.

What makes this property unique

Souters was a derelict stable building, surrounded by overgrown trees and brambles when we moved back here in 2005. We realised it wasn't possible to try to incorporate it into the lower farmyard (which at the time we used for livestock) but that it could make a beautiful dwelling. Nick did much of the restoration himself. We have left many of the internal timbers exposed which give character to the building and there are some carpenters marks left on the beams inside. A spiral staircase leads to a small mezzanine area for reading and contemplation. We love living at Valley Farm Cottage and particularly enjoy the peace and quiet and the wealth of wildlife apparent throughout the year. It is lovely to be able to share this with guests at Souters and we have met some very lovely people. Although within the grounds of our home it is far enough away to feel private and secluded but near enough that should any questions or problems arise they can be dealt with immediately.

Languages:

English
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback

Hotels

Holiday Rentals